Symptoms that indicate heart disease

Dark spots on the nails indicate heart disease.

One of the little-known symptoms of cardiovascular disease is dark spots under the nails. If we have not injured the toenail and can observe traces of clotted blood under its plate, we may even be dealing with endocarditis (heart cavities, valves or larger blood vessels). It can be of bacterial or rheumatic origin and requires immediate treatment.

Orange lumps and discoloration of the skin and heart disease

Skin observation can give us a lot of information about our health. It is worth knowing that an orange-yellow rash around the ankles or on the fingers and toes may indicate high triglyceride levels in the body. In turn, the so-called yellow tufts around the eyes are a common symptom of too high blood cholesterol levels. This is associated with a high risk of atherosclerosis and other heart disease.

Shortness of breath indicates heart disease

Shortness of breath, fatigue and dizziness. Cardiovascular problems can also indicate chronic fatigue that gets worse as the day goes on. This is a frequent effect of heart failure and hence hypoxia of the whole organism. Shortness of breath and extreme fatigue, even after little exercise (such as climbing stairs) can also indicate progressive atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Symptoms resolve with a short rest. Also, our concern should be caused by frequent dizziness – they can be the result of circulatory problems and insufficient blood supply to the brain. Most often, it is associated with atherosclerosis, as well as with arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy and arterial hypertension.

Sleep apnea indicates heart disease

Sleep apnea is short episodes of respiratory arrest during nocturnal sleep, most commonly associated with snoring. Apnea itself is not a sign of heart disease, but it quickly leads to it. Periodic hypoxia of the brain makes the heart work harder, which contributes to the development of arterial hypertension, arrhythmias, coronary heart disease and even the risk of heart attack and stroke. Therefore, if we struggle with sleep for a long time, it is worth visiting a cardiologist and checking if the circulatory system is working properly.

Cough indicates heart disease

Chronic cough is most commonly associated with upper respiratory tract infections or asthma. However, it is worth knowing that this is how congestive heart failure can manifest itself, which is a complication of coronary heart disease or arterial hypertension. This condition results in fluid retention in the lungs and manifests itself in the form of a sudden, severe, suffocating cough and wheezing.

Swelling of the legs and heart disease

Swelling of the legs, which worsens during the day and evening hours, may be associated with circulatory problems. They usually appear after standing or sitting for a long time, and the swelling disappears after a night’s rest or lying with raised legs. Swelling of the legs can also be caused by venous thrombosis and clogged veins, which prevent blood from reaching the entire body equally. Blood congestion in the extremities is also often manifested by muscle spasms, cyanosis, and ulceration of the skin (especially the feet).

Bad breath and bleeding gums and heart disease

American scientists have also found an alarming link between bleeding gums and bad breath, as well as cardiovascular disease. It turns out that they can be the result of inflammation caused by a malfunction of the heart.

On the other hand, the poor condition of the teeth and the entire oral cavity is a big threat to health. It has long been proven that bacteria that multiply because of periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and then cause endocarditis.